A new Makerspace is coming to Redwood City Downtown Library, with a grand opening anticipated in October, according to the Redwood City Library Foundation. The Foundation is providing $270,000 to fund the project while the city has appropriated the remaining $165,000.
On Monday, the City Council approved the construction contract for Makerspace in the Downtown Library, which aims to provide equitable access to cutting-edge technologies to all city residents.
According to city documents, the project will convert the existing computer lab space into a makerspace providing free access for community members to various technology tools such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, digital design and modeling software, to opportunities to learn about robotics and electronics, and to sewing machines and hand crafting tools for the creation of items such as bags, jewelry scrapbooks, knitting or textiles.
City documents also said the makerspace will feature shared collaboration spaces, including reconfigurable workshop tables and seating, white boards, large screen monitors and a small space for videoconferencing and audio recording.
Counters will be added outside the space for internet access on Library computers for those needing that service.
The “free maker resource will benefit our community of tinkerers, entrepreneurs, makers and artists,” the Foundation stated on social media following City Council’s approval.
Those wishing to join the Foundation’s Makerspace community advisory group can contact Lisa at rclf-ed@redwoodcity.org.
Photo courtesy of Redwood City Library
